California Lawmakers Propose Diaper Ingredient Regulations

California State assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) has unveiled legislation that would increase transparency of the ingredients used in children’s diapers. Assembly Bill 1901, co-sponsored by Environmental Working Group, Children Now, and Consumer Reports, would require manufacturers of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California to clearly label all ingredients on both the product’s packaging and online. 

“As a new dad, I have a new appreciation for how important it is for parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and wellness of their children. We all want the best for our children, but the lack of transparency around diaper ingredients prevents us from knowing what ‘the best’ is when buying the one thing that is touching our baby’s skin every minute of their lives for years,” says Berman. “I’m proud to author AB 1901 to give parents greater transparency into what chemicals are in their children’s diapers so that they can make the right choice for their family.” 

Babies’ delicate skin and constant contact with diapers makes them especially susceptible to the harmful effects of chemicals. 

“Chemical exposure during the most critical window of infant development can trigger a lifetime of health challenges,” says Susan Little, Environmental Working Group’s California Legislative Director.  “Despite these high stakes, a lace of transparency allows diaper manufacturers to keep their ingredients secret, forcing parents into a guessing game.”

Recent testing shows many diapers are made with ingredients linked to health and environmental concerns. These include phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption, and bleaching agents, which can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Volatile organic compounds are often used in diapers and can include hazardous air pollutants like toluene and xylene, which are associated with respiratory and other health harms. In addition, certain wetness indicators and colorful designs may contain harmful compounds, heavy metals, or dyes that can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals in baby products, especially diapers. However, manufacturers are not required to be fully transparent with that information,” says Gabe Knight, Senior Policy Analyst at Consumer Reports. “This bill would help ensure that parents and caregivers have the information they need to make informed decisions about which products are best for their baby. Consumer Reports is pleased to support this bill and commends Assemblymember Berman for his work on this issue.”

AB 1901 would help families make more informed purchasing decisions for children’s diapers. By January 1, 2028, the manufacturer of any children’s diaper sold, distributed or manufactured in California would be required to disclose on a publicly accessible web page a list of all intentionally added ingredients, each ingredient’s Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number and each ingredient’s specific function or purpose in the diaper. By January 1, 2029, diaper manufacturers would also be required to include on the outermost packaging of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California a list of intentionally added ingredients and a web address where consumers can find the full ingredient information, in an easily identifiable manner.

“Parents and caregivers should be able to feel confident about the products they choose to keep their babies and toddlers clean and dry,” said Ted Lempert with Children Now. “AB 1901 is a Pro-Kid bill that makes transparent information about diapers easily accessible, so families can make informed choices for their little ones.”

AB 1901 builds off of previous California law, including requirements for heavy metal testing and public disclosure for